Electronic product identification and price display system employing electronic-ink display labels having a stacked architecture for visually displaying the price and/or promotional information for said consumer product, remotely updated by one or more remote activator modules installed within the retail environment

ABSTRACT

An electronic product identification price display system for installation in a retail environment storing a plurality of consumer products on shelves. The system includes a plurality of remote activator modules installed within the retail environment, and a plurality of remotely-updateable electronic-ink labels applied to consumer products stored in the retail environment. Each remote activator module sends and transmits electromagnetic signals within the space of the retail environment. Each electronic-ink label employs an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The device includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in communication with storage element. A signal transmitting structure transmits signals from the antenna structure to the remote activator modules. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from the remote activator modules, using the antenna structure. An on-board battery power structure, operably connected to the integrated circuit structure, supplies electrical power to the integrated circuit structure. The electronic-ink label applied to each consumer product displays graphical indicia representing the price and/or promotional information for the consumer product, that is remotely updated by one or more remote activator modules installed within the retail environment.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/196,776 filed Aug. 2, 2005 now abandoned; which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 09/393,553 filed Sep. 10, 1999, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,924,781; which claims priority to provisional patent applicationSer. No. 60/099,888, filed Sep. 11, 1998; each Application being ownedby Metrologic Instruments, Inc. and incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to electronic display devices, and ismore particularly directed to remotely updateable electronic labeldevices and systems for displaying selected data.

Conventional printing labels and methodology for affixing them toparticular items are well known in the art. The information permanentlyapplied on the printing labels reflects information known about theparticular items at the time the labels were created. It is generallydifficult to alter the indicia on the printing labels once created forthe particular items. In general, three conventional techniques havebeen developed to address this problem. According to a first technique,a completely new label is created to replace the previously printedlabel. The new label is typically reaffixed to the particular item,either at a new location or over the existing label. According to asecond technique, a new but smaller label can be employed to patch overa portion of the originally printed label in order to alter particularindicia related to the item. In some applications, properly placing andaligning the new, smaller label, so that it can subsequently be read bya machine or person, is a difficult, labor intensive, and error proneprocess. In the situation where all or a portion of a label is changedwith the new label, great care is taken to ensure that an unacceptablebuildup of labeling material does not occur, and that the labelalignment is sufficient to illustrate the altered item indicia, as wellas to ensure that it does not affect human or machine readableprocesses.

A third common technique involves the situation where the information orimage is directly imprinted or manually written or drawn onto an item.In this circumstance, the old image is generally removed or erased, andthen a new image is reprinted or drawn on the item. Examples of suchinformation deleting include price changes related to the item, changesin menu prices, the return dates on library books, return dates forvideo rentals, and the like. Great care is typically employed to ensurethat the integrity of the information visible on the new label or thedesignated area is not adversely impacted through some interaction orinterference with the information previously imprinted or present on thelabel or disposed in the designated area. Otherwise, the integrity ofthe new item information may be affected. Moreover, removing or erasingthe original information imprinted, written, or drawn on the label ordesignated area of the item may result in damage to the item.

Conventional items to be labeled generally reserve a designated locationfor displaying relevant item information. Generally, an individualapplies the labels to the item at this designated location, or writes,draws or stamps information in the designated area. Despite the presenceof the designated label location, it is typical to find variabilitybetween items in terms of the label location, orientation and ability toconvey the proper information to a consumer or to a piece of equipmentintended to read automatically the information off the item.

There accordingly exists a need in the art for a stand-alone, remotelyupdateable and/or alterable electronic label which can be formed invarious sizes and shapes for displaying information related to an itemin human or machine readable form. There further exists a need in theart to update or alter the information related to the item in a mannerwhich allows the label to be reused a significant number of times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a smart, flexibleelectronic display, label, tag or strip that is self contained, does notrequire an onboard power source (such as a battery), and employs radiowave transmissions to remotely update and permanently or temporarilyalter the information displayed in human and/or machine readable form.The information displayed by the label can be a subset of theinformation locally stored on the label, information received partly orsolely from an external source, or a combination thereof. Moreover, thelabel can be a ‘dumb’ label by displaying solely the informationreceived from the external source, or can be a ‘smart’ label capable ofdetermining in whole or in part the information to be displayed.

It is a further object of the present invention to employ the electroniclabel of the present invention in a number of different applications tocreate ‘display, label, tag, or strip systems’ that include combinationsand variations of microprocessors, computer(s), software,electromagnetic transmitters and receivers, and a variety of antennas,etc., that can communicate with and update the remotelyupdateable/alterable electronic label, tag or strip in any manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electroniclabel for updating information on a display portion of the label, tag orstrip. The label can be formed as a wristband, pendant, badge, pin,etc., and worn by a person in a place of entertainment or amusement, orin any other environment or venue where it is beneficial to periodicallyupdate the information displayed on the label to reflect both the statusof services or events of interest.

The present invention provides for smart and dumb implementations of astand-alone, remotely updateable, remotely alterable, flexibleelectronic display, label, tag or strip device of various sizes andshapes. The number of layers forming the device can vary depending uponthe particular components employed in the device, and upon therequirements or exigencies of the intended application. The displaydevice of the present invention provides a flexible electronic displaythat is self contained, does not require an onboard power source, andemploys radio wave transmissions to remotely update and permanentlyalter information displayed in human and/or machine readable form. Theelectronic display device of the present invention can be provided invarious embodiments, each of which can be employed as a system fordisplaying information related to a particular item. Each electronicdisplay system can include combinations and variations of particularelectronic components, including microprocessors, computer software,transmitters, receivers, and a variety of antennas, etc., that cancommunicate with and remotely update the electronic display at variousdistances. According to one practice, the display device can be updatedby providing for an electronic hard wire connection to an informationaltering device, or by employing electromagnetic waves to alter thedisplay from various distances.

The present invention provides for smart and dumb implementations of astand-alone, remotely updateable, remotely alterable, flexibleelectronic label. The electronic label provides for displayinginformation in connection with a mammal, non-mammal, an item orlocation. The label includes a display assembly having electronic inkdisposed on a support, one or more antennas for sending or receivingsignals corresponding to one of instructions, programs, data or selectedindicia to be displayed by said display assembly, a storage element incircuit with the antenna for storing the instructions, programs, dataand indicia, and one or more processors for intelligently determiningthe indicia to be displayed by the display assembly, for controlling andcoordinating operation of the label, and for generating output signalsfor instructing the display assembly to display the indicia.

The present invention also provides for a stacked, layered electroniclabel suitable for displaying information. The label includes one ormore display layers having electronic ink disposed on a support, one ormore activation grid layers for activating said electronic ink or otherdisplay layers, one or more antenna layers for sending or receivingsignals corresponding to programs, instructions, data or indicia to bedisplayed by said display assembly, and a processor layer including oneor more processors and a storage element. The storage element storesindicia, data, programs or instructions. The processor, which is incircuit with the display layer, the activation layer, and the antennalayer, determines intelligently the indicia to be displayed by thedisplay layer. The processor also controls and coordinates operation ofthe label, and generates output signals for instructing the displaylayer to display the indicia. The display layer, said antenna layer,said activation grid layer, and said processor layer are all stackedtogether to form the stacked electronic label.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following description and apparentfrom the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters referto the same parts throughout the different views. The drawingsillustrate principles of the invention and, although not to scale, showrelative dimensions.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electronic label according to, theteachings of the present invention employed in connection with an item.

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of the electronic label (with selectedelectronic components illustrated) and activator module that form theelectronic label system according to the teachings of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a more detailed schematic depiction of the activator module ofFIG. 2 with selected electrical components illustrated.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the stacked and assembled layersof one embodiment of the electronic label of FIG. 1 according to theteachings of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a general schematic depiction of certain selected electricalcomponents employed by the electronic label of FIG. 1 according to theteachings of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic depiction of the electronic label system of FIG. 2connected to one or more remote devices or systems according to theteachings of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a roll of film employing the electroniclabel in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate one application of the electronic label ofthe present invention used in a retail store environment in connectionwith the sale of consumer products. In this illustration canned goodsare shown.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electronic label of the presentinvention used in connection with a menu.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an array of electronic labels used inconnection with a keyboard.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the electronic label of the presentinvention used in connection with a recording media item.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a broad illustration of an electronic label employed inconnection with an item, person, animal or location in accordance withthe teachings of the present invention. The illustrated electronic label16 is specifically employed in connection with an item 12. Theelectronic label 16 displays information, generally as human or machinereadable indicia 14, in order to display information related to the item12 or any other predefined or selected information. The electronic label16 can be temporarily or permanently affixed, attached, secured orcoupled to the item 12 according to known methods and techniques.According to one practice, a suitable conventional mechanical fasteningsystem, such as fasteners, loop and hook-type arrangements, stitches,adhesives, and molding, as well as other known fixation techniques, canbe employed to permanently or temporarily attach the electronic label 16to the item 12. The label can also be integrally formed with the item,or can be used as a stand alone label. As used herein, the term “label”is intended to include a label, strip, tag or general display devicethat is sufficiently sized and configured for attachment to an animal,person, item, or location for displaying indicia. For purposes ofclarity, the electronic label 16 is generally shown and described asbeing attached to an item, although those of ordinary skill will readilyrecognize that the label can also be attached to an animal, person orlocation.

The illustrated electronic label 16 displays information that is eitherwholly or partly prestored or preloaded, or uploaded, in the label, orcreated by a processor in the label, or displays information thatcorresponds or is consistent with or based upon signals received from anexternal source, such as an activator module and/or a GPS system. Thoseof ordinary skill will readily recognize that the information displayedby the electronic label 16 can be any general information correspondingto the item, location, mammal or non-mammal, and which is suitable andappropriate for a particular intended use.

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of the electronic label 16 used inconnection with an activator module 18. The activator module, when usedin connection with the electronic label 16, can function as a mastercontroller, by sending signals to the electronic label so as to actuatethe label to display particular indicia, or by receiving selectedsignals from the electronic label for subsequent use. The signalsreceived by the activator module 18 can be representative of a varietyof information, including the status of the indicia displayed by theelectronic label 16, as well as any other information suitable to beemployed by the activator, and which would be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art. The illustrated activator module 18 can be apocket-sized, handheld, portable, or fixed location signal generatingdevice, which can employ or be formed as a suitable antenna. Theillustrated activator module can be coupled to any appropriateprocessing or control apparatus, such as a stand-alone computer 70, alocal area network (LAN) 72, wide area network (WAN) 74, internet,intelligent appliance, or any other suitable signal generating,processing or control apparatus known to those of ordinary skill in theart. This arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 6. The activator module 18can be coupled to the processing or control apparatus through anysuitable communication link, such as a standard electrical cable,optical fiber, wireless network or any suitable direct or indirectconnection or link. The applications and embodiments described belowgenerally employ radio signals. The processing and signal controlcapabilities of the activator module 18 can be housed completely withinthe activator module, or can be distributed among the system or devicesto which it is connected.

With reference again to FIG. 2, the activator module 18 generates anoutput signal, designated as radio wave signal 20, that is received bythe electronic label 16. Those of ordinary skill will readily recognizethat the activator module 18 can generate any suitable output signal 20at any suitable selected frequency. Consequently, the activator module18 can operate as a number of different types of signal radiatorsdepending upon the label's intended use. The module can operate oversequential frequencies or can use simultaneously a number or combinationof different frequencies. FIG. 2 illustrates at least some of theselected mechanical and electrical components that comprise theelectronic label 16 of the present invention. The radio wave signal 20generated by the activator module 18 is received by an antenna element22. The antenna element 22, in response to the signal 20, generates anoutput antenna 26 that is received by a processor 24. The activatormodule 18 preferably generates an output signal 20 at a frequency thatcorresponds to the antenna element 22. Those of ordinary skill willreadily recognize that the activator module 18 can generate an outputsignal at any selected frequency, and hence can provide any suitableantenna element 22 configured for receiving the activator output signal.The illustrated processor 24 processes the antenna output signal 26 toperform one of a selected number of functions. For example, theprocessor 24 can communicate with a storage element 28 in order to storenew information or data, or to access or retrieve selected informationor data stored therein, such as computer programs or instructions orstored pixel addresses, which can be employed to determine theparticular indicia displayed by the display. The storage element 28 canalso store a unique label or tag identification number, product code,color, name, size, description, cost, sale price, percentreduction/markdown, unit of sale, lot number, expiration date,manufacturing date, manufacturer, identifier of manufacturing plant,country of origin, countries through which item has passed, tax rate,taxes paid, last price change, stocking number reorder number, retailstore name and location, destination, intended use, cookinginstructions, useful life based on storage temperature, recipes, lasttime cleaned or used, when item was initially opened, encryptingsoftware, and security and anti-counterfeit software, as well as otherrelated data consistent with the intended use of the label. Those ofordinary skill will be readily able to determine in light of theteachings herein the information to be stored in the label 16 ortransmitted to the label 16.

According to one practice, the processor 24 and the storage element 28operate in conjunction with each other to retrieve stored datacorresponding to indicia to be displayed by the display assembly 30.According to another practice, the processor 24 can initiate or executeone or more preprogrammed sequences stored locally within the storageelement 28 for determining which indicia is displayed by the displayelement 30. Alternatively, the processor 24 can process instructionsreceived by the activator module 18. Hence, the processor can beemployed to control and coordinate the display, while concomitantlyprocessing or passing along instructions received from the activatormodule or stored on the label. The processor 24 can also generate outputsignals to activate the display to show selected indicia based onexecuted instructions employing information stored locally in the label(e.g., in the storage element 28), information generated locally in thelabel, information received from the activation module or from someother source (e.g., a GPS system), or information generated from acombination thereof. The processor 24 can further be configured toemploy a combination of locally stored or generated instructions andexternally received instructions to determine a subset of the locallystored information transmitted by the external source (e.g., activatormodule 18) that should be displayed. This information can then be usedto determine the appropriate set of information processed by theprocessor 24. The processor 24 can generate an output signal thatactivates the display assembly 30 to display selected human and/ormachine readable indicia in any format. The indicia displayed by thedisplay assembly 30 can be information (e.g., textual or graphicinformation) associated or related to a mammal, non-mammal, item, orgeographic location, or any other suitable indicia consistent andcompatible with the label's intended use. The information can bedisplayed by the display assembly 30 in any appropriate font color, fonttype, font size or format, including any appropriate pixel density, anddisplay duration, such as flashing, non-flashing, static, motion, 3D,and the like. Moreover, the display can be adjusted or altered todisplay selected amounts of information in any suitable format. Theprocessor 24 can also employ encrypting and security software orprograms stored in the storage element 28 to authenticate commandsreceived or executed by the label. This function affords a selectedlevel of security and anti-counterfeit protection by ensuring that onlyauthorized information is displayed by the label. The storage element 28can be any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory element, orcombinations thereof, such as RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or any othersuitable memory or storage element known to those of ordinary skill.Those of ordinary skill will also recognize that the processinginstructions can be hardwired in the label 16 using discrete componentsand that all or portions of the processor functions can be constructedusing discrete components.

The illustrated processor 24 can operate to activate the displayassembly 30 to display a selected series of indicia. The processor 24can also be configured to maintain the indicia displayed by the displayassembly for a selected, finite period of time according to preselectedprograms stored in the label. Alternatively, the processor 24 can alterin a periodic, nonperiodic, intermittent or other selected manner theindicia displayed by the display assembly.

The illustrated electronic label 16 can have a size suitable for itsintended use. In particular, the label 16 can be sized and dimensionedto form a label for use on a container, article of clothing, luggage,keyboard, gameboard, menu, and other articles, and can also beconstructed as a wristband, pennant, or any other suitable element usedin connection with an item, person or location for displaying selectedinformation. The intended use and application of the electronic labeldictate the size and shape of the label. Those of ordinary skill willthus recognize that the illustrated electronic label 16 functions as anelectronic, scalable, alterable display unit for use in connection witha mammal, non-mammal, selected item, or location.

The illustrated electronic label 16 can have a size suitable for itsintended use. In particular, the label 16 can be sized and dimensionedto form a label for use on a container, article of clothing, luggage,keyboard, gameboard, menu, and other articles, and can also beconstructed as a wristband, pennant, or any other suitable element usedin connection with an item, person or location for displaying selectedinformation. The intended use and application of the electronic labeldictate the size and shape of the label. Those of ordinary skill willthus recognize that the illustrated electronic label 16 functions as anelectronic, scalable, alterable display unit for use in connection witha mammal, non-mammal, selected item, or location.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of some of the electrical componentswhich can be housed within the activator module 18 of the electroniclabel system 10 of the present invention. The activator module 18 canemploy a processor 34 that is adapted to be used in connection with areceiver 36, a transmitter 38, or any other appropriate antenna device.Those of ordinary skill will readily recognize that the receiver 36 andthe transmitter 38 can be combined into a single transceiver device forboth sending and receiving signals. The illustrated receiver 36 isconfigured for receiving the output signal 20A generated by theelectronic label 16. Conversely, the transmitter 38 operates inconnection with the processor 34 to transmit the output signal 20 thatis received by the antenna 22 housed within the electronic label 16. Theactivator module 18 can be configured to send or receive commands,instructions, software programs, and parameters or variables associatedwith the pixel address locations of the display, the indicia displayedby the label, or instructions for use by the label at a later time, aswell as instructions for other functions associated with the operationof the label as both a ‘smart’ and ‘dumb’ label.

The activator module 18 can have any suitable shape and size consistentwith its intended use and installation. For example, the activatormodule 18 can be a stand alone device separate from the label 16, or canbe connected, secured, affixed or integrally formed with an item thatalso is coupled or in communication with the label or with a devicenormally used in connection with the item. The activator module 18 canbe formed as a portable or hand-held device, or can be of relativelylarge size and fixed temporarily or permanently at a selected location.Additionally, more than one activator module can be employed inconnection with a single label, and systems can be created that employvarious numbers of activator modules 18 and labels 16. Multipleactivators of a single style or variety can be intelligently coupled ornetworked together to provide more complex and sophisticated use.

The processor 34 can be a stand-alone processor or controller used inconnection with the activator module 18. According to an alternateembodiment, the processor 34 can be configured to communicate with oneor more remote devices or controllers, such as the stand-alone computer70, a wired or radio frequency based LAN 72, or a wired or radiofrequency based WAN 74, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Other remote devicesnot illustrated but which can also be coupled to the activator moduleinclude telephones, cable televisions, digital and analog cellular phonenetworks, satellite networks, private, public, military and governmentcontrol and communication systems, internet, world wide web, intranets,Intelligent Appliances, GPS systems, and radios including AM and FMradios broadcasting at various frequencies. The illustrated remotedevices 70-74 can operate in connection with the activator module 18 toform a control and processing system for use with the electronic label16. The remote devices can store selected algorithms or programs forprocessing selected data or instructions received by the activatormodule from the label 16. Alternatively, the remote devices can programor instruct the activator module 18 to perform selected functions, suchas instruct the label to display certain indicia, prestored or not, at acertain time, for a certain duration etc., or for altering the indiciadisplayed by the label. Those of ordinary skill will readily recognizethat the activator module 18 and the remote devices can operate in anyselected manner, such as a distributed processing system, forcontrolling the electronic label 16.

The electronic label 16 of the present invention can be constructed in avariety of different manners for receiving signals from the activatormodule 18, for processing signals, and for activating a display assemblyfor displaying selected indicia. According to one embodiment, theelectronic label 16 can be formed as a stacked, layered electrical andmechanical structure that employs a number of layers, each layer ofwhich is adapted to perform a selected function, and which can beintegrated together to form a single operable electronic label. Those ofordinary skill will also recognize that the label 16 can employ a singlelayer. With reference to FIG. 4, a protection layer 40 can be disposedover a layer of electronic ink 42 in order to prevent the electronic ink(or display assembly 30) from inadvertent physical trauma and/orenvironmental damage. The electronic ink layer 42 can be formed orconstructed of multiple layers of material, but for purposes ofillustration and clarity it is illustrated as a single layer. Theelectronic ink 42 is employed with an electronic activation grid 44,disposed on a support structure, to form the display assembly 30. Theillustrated activation grid can be constructed of one or more layers ofmaterial and operated to form a plurality of addressable pixellocations. Each pixel can be addressable by the processor 24, and can becontained or formed within the integrated circuit layer 54. Theprocessor 24 can control, address, alter or change each pixel locationin the activation grid 44. The activation grid 44 is intended to beemployed in connection with the electronic ink layer 42 to form humanand/or machine readable indicia. The activation grid 44 can be formed ina variety of manners and can have a variety of shapes and electronicconfigurations. The activation grid can alternatively be constructed byincluding a transparent electrode layer located above or on top of theelectronic ink layer. The activation grid 44 can be patterned so as toprovide sufficient power (e.g., current or voltage) at selected pixeladdresses to form indicia. Such patterns include quadrilateral shapematrices (e.g., square or rectangular XY matrices), intersecting arcs,and linear and non-linear patterns, as well as other designs. Theactivation grid 44 can also be formed in a manner that reduces thenumber of necessary current carrying pathways.

The electronic ink layer 42 can employ electronic ink disposed on asuitable support structure, such as on or between one or moreelectrodes. The term “electronic ink” as used herein is intended toinclude a printable, conductive ink having an arrangement of particlesor microscopic containers or microcapsules. Each microcapsule hasdisposed therein an electrophoretic composition of a fluid, such as adielectric or emulsion fluid, and a suspension of colored or chargedparticles or colloidal material. According to one practice, theparticles visually contrast with the dielectric fluid. According toanother example, the electronic ink can include rotatable balls that canrotate to expose a different colored surface area, and which can migratebetween a forward viewing position and/or a rear non-viewing position.Electrodes can be used in conjunction with the electronic ink to form anelectronically activatable and addressable display assembly. Theelectrodes can be disposed on and/or cover opposite sides of themicrocapsule arrangement to provide structure for creating a potentialdifference across the electronic ink that causes particles within themicrocapsules to migrate toward one of the electrodes. This migrationcan change the color of the sphere, and hence the pixel location, asviewed by an individual. According to one practice, the microcapsulescan be filled with electrically charged white particles in a black orcolored dye. Examples of electronic ink and methods of fabricatingassemblies capable of controlling or effecting the orientation of theink suitable for use with the present invention are set forth inInternational Patent Application Publication Number WO 98/41899,International Patent Application Publication Number WO 98/19208,International Patent Application Publication Number WO 98/03896, andInternational Patent Application Publication Number WO 98/41898, thecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference. The electronicink employed by the label 16 of the present invention can also beconfigured as a single color, such as black, white or clear, and can befluorescent, iridescent, bioluminescent, incandescent, ultraviolet,infrared, or can include a wavelength specific radiation absorbing oremitting material. There can be multiple layers of electronic ink, eachwith its own activation grid layer, or multiple ink layers can beserviced by more than one activation grid layer. Different layers ofelectronic ink can have different properties or colors. Creatingdifferent layers for each primary color enables color displays, in afashion similar to the operation of a conventional television. Anycombination of electronic ink layers and activation grid layers arerepresented for illustration and discussion purposes as display assembly30. Moreover, the characteristics of the various layers can be differentfrom each other. For example, one layer can be used to view or displayinformation in the visible light range, while a second layer responds toor emits ultraviolet light. The non-visible layers can alternatively beconstructed of non-electronic ink based materials that have thepreviously listed radiation absorbing or emitting characteristics. Theelectronic ink employed in connection with the present inventionpreferably has the characteristic that it does not require power tomaintain display of indicia. The support layer suitable for use inconnection with the electronic ink and the activation grid layer 44 canbe formed of any suitable material compatible with the electronic ink,and include Mylar, Kapton, lignocellulosic material, plastic,non-conducting polymers, and the like.

The processor 24 can hence selectively activate an addressable pixellocation on the activation grid to charge the electrodes, and hence theparticles within the microcapsules. The particles in the microcapsulecan be transferred between end locations (or between electrodes) inorder to display either a white or dark spot. The combination of whiteand dark spots, which correspond to pixel locations, can be patterned tocreate text and images. Hence, the display assembly 30 in connectionwith the processor 24 can operate to change the state of the particleswithin the microcapsules depending upon the applied voltage. The voltageor current can be applied to the activation grid 44 according to knownaddressing techniques.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the electronic label 16 can employ anonboard power device, such as a battery, or a combination of off-boardand on-board power sources for powering one or more of the labelcomponents or layers. The illustrated label 16 is preferably free of anysuch onboard power generating source, and employs a power antenna forreceiving power signals from an external source, such as from theactivator module 18. The power antenna can be formed as a power antennalayer 48 disposed between two shielding layers 46 in order toelectromagnetically isolate the antenna from one or more of the otherlabel components. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that any numberand arrangement of shielding layers can be used. Those of ordinary skillwill also recognize that the activator module 18 can transmit anappropriate power signal at a selected frequency compatible with thepower antenna 48 to the label 16 to provide power thereto. Theelectronic label 16 of the present invention can thus employ powerexclusively or solely from an on-board power source, such as from apower storage element (e.g., battery, capacitor, solar cell,micro-mechanical generator, etc.), solely or exclusively from powerreceived from an external source, or from a combination of on-board andoff-board sources.

The electronic label 16 can function as a stand-alone, integrated, andsubstantially complete electronic label that need not communicate withan external controller for power, such as the activator module 18, orcan be selectively configured to receive power from an external source.According to an alternate embodiment, a receiver, transmitter, orcombined transceiver, or any combination thereof, can also be formed aslayers in the stacked, layered electronic label 16. For example, areceiver layer 50 can be employed in the electronic label 16. Thereceiver layer 50 can be configured to receive signals, such as signals20, from the activator module 18 at a selected frequency. Furthermore,the transmitter layer 52 can be adapted to transmit selected signals,such as signals 20A, from the electronic label 16 to the activatormodule 18 at a selected frequency. The activator module 18 can beconfigured to transmit commands, instructions, software programs, andparameters or variables associated with the pixel address locations ofthe display, the indicia displayed by the label, or instructions for useby the label at a later time, as well as instructions for otherfunctions associated with the operation of the label. The illustratedreceiver layer 50 and the transmitter layer 52 can beelectromagnetically isolated from the power antenna 48 by shieldinglayers 46. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that the power antenna48, receiver 50, and transmitter 52 are optional components of theelectronic label 16. Those of ordinary skill will also recognize thatany number of suitable antennas can be employed in connection with thelabel 16 of the present invention. For example, the label 16 can employa common antenna layer to perform all necessary functions, a discreteantenna for each function, or any subset of antennas for performing oneor more functions.

The illustrated electronic label 16 can further employ an integratedcircuit layer 54 that includes one or more other electrical componentsof the electronic label 16. The illustrated integrated circuit 54 ispreferably electrically coupled or disposed in electrical communicationwith one or more layers of the electronic label 16, such as theactivation grid layer 44, the power antenna layer 48, the receiver layer50, and the transmitter layer 52. Moreover, the integrated circuit layercan function as an electronic catch-all layer for providing numerouselectrical components employed by the label 16.

FIG. 5 is a broad schematic illustration of the integrated circuit layer54 employed in connection with the electronic label 16 of the presentinvention. The integrated circuit 54 can include the processor 24 andthe storage element 28 discussed above in connection with FIG. 2. Theintegrated circuit layer 54 can also employ a power converter 60 that iscoupled to the processor 24, and is adapted to receive power signals 58generated by the power antenna in response to power signals receivedfrom the activator module 18. The power converter 60 converts the powerantenna signals 58 into suitable output current or voltage signals foruse by the components of the electronic label 16. The illustratedintegrated circuit layer 54 can further employ a transmitter, areceiver, a transceiver, or a combination thereof, as well as asecondary display 64, or any other suitable layered or discreteelectrical component.

Those of ordinary skill will readily recognize that in order to alter orchange the information displayed by the display assembly 30 of theelectronic label 16, the activator module 18 transmits data in lowpowered and/or high frequency radio signals to the antenna element 22,where it is converted into binary information by the processor 24.Further, different power levels and different frequencies can be used totransfer power and/or data between the activator module and the label.The information or data received by the electronic label 16 from theactivator module 18 can include programs or algorithms, or newinformation, that can be employed by the label 16 in order to update,change, alter, or maintain indicia displayed by the display assembly 30,or pixel addresses corresponding to pixel locations in the display.

The information shown on the display assembly 30 can be, according toone embodiment, a subset of the information stored within the storageelement 28, or derived or calculated from information or data stored inthe storage element 28. Moreover, the activator module 18 can beemployed in connection with one or more additional processing or controlapparatus to instruct or activate the electronic label 16.

The layers of the electronic label 16 can be formed of any suitablematerial in order to form a malleable, flexible or inflexible label.According to one embodiment, one or more of the layers can be formed ofplastic, Mylar, Kapton, pulp-based or PET-based material, or othermaterials suitable for employing or supporting electronic ink. Examplesof additional materials suitable for use in connection with the presentinvention include metals, non-metals, ceramic, pulp-base products, suchas paper, cardboard, and cloth, as well as combinations of variousmaterials. Those of ordinary skill will also recognize that each layerof the electronic label 16 can be formed of different materials, andthat the support layers for the electronic ink or one or more of theother layers can be opaque, translucent, colored, flexible, rigid,twistable or bendable. Moreover, the different components of the label16, such as the display, processor, memory, antennas, power converters,and other components, can be distributed in different layers orlocations, or can be co-located or intermingled in different ways in thelabel and throughout the layers. Although the illustrated label 16 isshown with a certain ordered series of layers, the layers can bedistributed differently throughout the stacked label 16. Thefunctionality or fabrication of layers of the label 16 as describedherein can also be combined to reduce the number of layers or separatedto maintain or increase the number of layers.

A significant advantage of the electronic label 16 of the presentinvention is that it is a remotely updateable, remotely alterable,flexible electronic display device that can be formed as part of anitem, or it can be used in connection with an item to display selectedinformation. Another advantage of the electronic label 16 of the presentinvention is that it need not employ a power source, or require power tomaintain a display of selected indicia on the display assembly 30.Specifically, the indicia formed by the electronic ink does not requirepower to maintain the selected indicia. Hence, if the activator module18 interrupts or ceases to transmit power signals to the electroniclabel 16, the label can still maintain the displaced indicia in humanand/or machine readable form.

Another significant advantage of the invention is that the label can beemployed as a smart label for processing signals received from anexternal source and for executing instructions stored in the label, andfor determining the indicia to be displayed. Alternatively, the label ofthe present invention can be employed as a dumb label for processingspecific instructions (e.g., pixel addresses) received from the externalsource. The electronic label can also be employed as a re-useable ordisposable label depending upon the intended use.

Another significant advantage of the present invention is that theactivator module 18 can be formed in any desired shape, or mounted ordisposed at any desired location. Hence, the use of the activator module18 in conjunction with the electronic label 16 forms an unobtrusive,seamless electronic labeling system that can alter or maintain indiciadisplayed in connection with an item, location, or individual.

With further reference to FIG. 4, the integrated circuit layer 54 can beconstructed so as to provide direct or indirect electrical contactsbetween the integrated circuit layer 54 and one or more of the otherlayers 40-52 of the electronic label 16. Those of ordinary skill willreadily recognize that the circuitry employed to create the currentfields or voltages necessary to cause the physical changes in theelectronic ink in the electronic ink layer 42 can be formed as part ofthe integrated circuit layer 54. Those of ordinary skill will alsorecognize that other embodiments of the integrated circuit layer 54exist which can employ discrete components suitable for performingselected functions of the electronic label 16, and which can be mountedin layers other than the integrated circuit layer 54.

Moreover, the activation grid layer 44 of the electronic label 16 canemploy circuitry for addressing one or more selected pixel locationswithin the matrix. For example, the activation grid can employ amodified X, Y style pixel addressable electronic circuitry, or angleradius pixel addressable electronic circuitry, both of which are knownand well characterized in the art. Those of ordinary skill will readilyrecognize that the activation grid can be formed in single or multiplelayers, although a single layer is illustrated for purposes of clarityin the electronic label 16 of FIG. 4.

The label 16 can also include a securing mechanism for securing thelabel to an item, location, or any other suitable support. The securingmechanism is generally schematically illustrated as securing layer 55,and can have any suitable size, shape and configuration. Specifically,the label 16 can be secured to an item or at a location according tomany known mechanical and non-mechanical fastening techniques, which areintended to be generally represented by the securing layer 55. Thesecuring layer can be an adhesive backing or a suitable adhesive, or cangenerally represent securing the label to an item or support byfasteners, stitching, weaving, sewing, laminating, snapping, pinning,tacking, loop and hook-type arrangements, and clipping and the like. Thelabel can be self standing or generally mechanically supported. Thesecuring layer can also be temporarily or permanently attached to theitem, or formed partly or wholly from the item or label. For example,the securing layer 55 can be used to form part of a shelf tag, hangingtag, or anti-theft label (electronic label surveillance). According toanother practice, the label can be integrally formed with the item orlocation, or formed from or is the same raw stock or material of theitem, and hence need not employ the securing layer 55.

The various layers of label 16 can be physically secured together in anumber of different ways, including by traditional mechanical fasteningand/or bonding techniques.

In operation, the activator module 18 can be mounted or fixed at aselected location relative to the electronic label 16 to promotecommunication therebetween. The activator module 18 can be a fixed,stand-alone device that includes all necessary control and processingcircuitry. In an alternate. embodiment, the activator module 1 8 canform part of a distributed processing and control system, such as isillustrated in FIG. 6. The activator module 18 can transmit via atransmitter (such as transmitter 38) a selected radio wave signal 20 forpowering the label and/or instructing the label to display particularindicia. The activator module 18 can be configured to transmit commands,instructions, software programs, or variables associated with either thepixel address locations corresponding to the label display, the indiciato be displayed by the label, or instructions for use by the label at alater time, as well as instructions for other functions associated withthe operation of the label, including, providing power signals forpowering the label. When the integrated, remotely alterable andupdateable electronic label 16 is brought within the field or range ofthe activator output signal 20, the power antenna 48 of the label can beactivated by any power signals transmitted by the activator module 18.The power antenna 48 receives the power signals generated by theactivator module 18, which are then converted by the power converter 60,FIG. 5, into suitable power (e.g., current or voltage). The powersupplied to the electronic label 16 is sufficient to actuate theprocessor 24. The processor can be programmed to receive instructions tochange, alter or maintain indicia displayed by the display assembly 30,as described above. For example, if the display assembly is blank, or ifit is desired to change indicia displayed by the display assembly 30,the processor 24 retrieves data stored in the storage element 28,converts the data into pixel addresses and following selected orpredefined sequences applies the necessary power to the signal pathswithin the activation grid matrix layer 44 to create the display. Inthis embodiment, the label 16 is constructed as a smart label andemploys on-board storage and instructions for performing the operationsand for displaying selected indicia. The processor 24 can also beconstructed to process only instructions received from the activatormodule 18, and hence functions as a dumb label. The processor 24 canaddress selected pixel locations in the grid matrix layer consistentwith the predefined sequence in order to actuate the electronic inkdisposed in the electronic ink layer 42. The processor in connectionwith the activation grid layer 44 and the electronic ink layer 42 formsselected human and/or machine readable indicia in the display.

Additionally, the electronic label 16 can transmit signals from theelectronic label 16 via the transmitter layer 52 (e.g., antenna 22 inFIG. 2). The transmitter layer 52 and the receiver layer 50 can beemployed in connection with the activator module 18 to exchange orupdate information. Hence, the transmitter layer 52 can transmit asignal to the activator module 18 containing information about thestatus of the label or about the position of the label relative to theactivator module 18.

The label 16 can be used with one or more other labels to form a groupor an array of display devices that can be remotely updated or alteredin similar or different ways to display similar or differentinformation. The labels in this array can also have differentinformation stored in memory, and hence function in ways different fromother labels in the array. Thus, one or more activators can be used inconnection with the label array to actuate or instruct the labels in thearray to perform or execute pre-determined routines and/or to displaypredetermined indicia. Different electronic labels can also be employedin the same application, at the same time, and in the same area. Thelabels in the array need not display information at the beginning, norall be employed at the beginning. For example, the labels can be used asadmission tickets or passes for an amusement park, and can havedifferent values stored in memory in the same type of data field, suchas the number of times the label is used, or communicates with theactivator module. The label can employ a selected color scheme byemploying various background colors to identify the number of times eachlabel is turned on or off. If turned off, each time power is restored tothe label, any new indicia can be displayed on a different colorbackground, which may or may not be the same as the background onanother label in the array. Moreover, all or a portion of theinformation shown on the display may from time to time appear to bestatic and/or dynamic, motion picture, or 3D.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one application of the electronic label16 of the present invention. The illustrated label 16 can be used,attached, secured or affixed to a camera, camera accessories, filmcontainer or to the illustrated roll of film 80. The film 80 has anouter body 84 that protects a film 82. The label 16 can be sized anddimensioned for securing to the outer body 84. The label 16 cancommunicate, if necessary, with the activator module 18. The label 16 ofthe label system 10 can also be used to automatically and reliably alterthe information 14 displayed by the display assembly to reflect all or asubset of the information temporarily or permanently stored in thestorage element. The stored information can include a unique label/tagidentification number, type of film, total number of exposures,remaining number of exposures, A.S.A. speed, date film was manufactured,date film was first placed in the camera, type of camera, date film wasremoved from the camera, date of processing, location of processing,encrypting software, security codes, and anti-counterfeit software.

In this application of the electronic label, the transmitters andreceivers of the activator module 18 can be mounted in the camera. Thismounting configuration can be accomplished by creating the necessarycircuitry as part of a single or multi-layered integrated circuit builtinto each camera. The camera can be powered by different sources, forexample, by an onboard battery or a charged capacitor that stores energyfrom mechanical motion, from the nearest activator module or from aproximate cell phone network. Once the activator module employed inconnection with the label 16 is powered, it can begin to transmit, asoften as appropriate, power signals to the label 16. Once powered, thelabel can be synchronized with the activator, or can proceed to displayindicia on the display assembly in accord with pre-stored instructions,or in accord with signals received from the activator module.

The camera can also be configured to mount a microprocessor that cantransmit signals as events dictated. For example, when the camera isturned on, the camera can be focused and a picture taken. Each time aperson takes a picture the label 16 on the film 80 can be updated toreflect the latest frame status in preparation for when it is removedfrom the camera, which can be between any exposure or at any time. Thefilm on which the information is displayed can be of any suitableformat, and can include plate type or cartridge type film. The label 16can be formed as an integral part of the container or as an integralpart of the film.

The camera, film container, or film also employs or operates inconjunction with an activator module. The activator module can bemounted within a still camera, motion picture camera, disposable camera,cartridge camera, 35 mm camera, SLR camera, x-ray machine, camera case,film developing equipment, film manufacturing equipment, table, chair,light fixture, television, DVD player, home entertainment system, cabletelevision, satellite television, centralized systems and/or data bases,keyboard, mouse pad, computer peripheral, personal data assistant, voiceactivated device, computer, microprocessor, Java box, common/shareddatabase, files, computer network, electronic data interchange networkequipment, e-commerce system, internet, the world wide web, intranet,Intelligent Appliance phone system, RF computer network backbone, LocalArea Network (LAN) connecting one or more computers, Wide Area Network(WAN) connecting one or more computers, serial or parallel wireconnection to one or more computers, optical connection to one or morecomputers, electromagnetic connection to one or more computers, orcomputer or network operating system.

The electronic label system 10 of the present invention can also beemployed in a retail store environment. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate theuse of a label 16 in connection with a number of canned goods 88 seatedon a shelf 90 found in a retail store establishment. The illustratedcanned goods are only one example of how label 16 can be used in aretail establishment to sell a retail item. The label can be fashionedas a shelf tag, hanging tag, or a tag directly attached to the item orin an item supply or stocking procedure where the items are identifiedeither directly or indirectly to a shelf label. The label 16 can bemounted to the front portion of the shelf. The label can display indiciacorresponding to certain selected parameters, such as price. The label16 can be used in connection with any item in the retail establishmentto display information about the item. The electronic label 16 mountedor secured to the floor shelves can be manufactured with a shapeconsistent with standard shelf marking labels. The labels can arrive tothe retail store blank, and then be programmed or instructed to displayselected information.

FIG. 8B illustrates an alternate mounting scenario where the label 16 ismounted to an outer surface 89 of the canned goods rather than to theshelf 90. The label can display indicia 14 related to canned goods, suchas number and price 14B, as well as a barcode 14B. The label can be anintegral part of the can paper label or packaging. The blank labels canbe secured to the items according to any standard method, such as glue,stitching, weaving, sewing, lamination, snapping, pinning, tacking,clipping, and the like. The information indicia displayed by the labelcan be actuated by an activator module 18, either held by a clerk orformed or connected as part of the store's computer system. The retailstore can be wired so that one or more fixed activators eliminate theneed for a portable activator module. The label system 10 can beemployed to change the indicia displayed by one or more labels in thestore to reflect price changes, such as sales or manager's specials. Thesystem thus creates a relatively easy and time efficient method foreffecting changes in the human or machine readable indicia displayed bythe label. The system thus eliminates the need for manually erasing oldinformation displayed for each item or group of items.

The labels can be attached to different items in any type of retailestablishment and can display different prices for each item or group ofitems. A single activator can be used to remotely update or alter thedisplayed prices, such as reducing the price of the items a selectedamount. Each label receiving the signal from the activator module canindependently calculate a new price and change the display to reflectthe price change.

The label array or group of labels can also be used to identifyadmission prices to a facility, such as an amusement park. The labelscan be configured as wristbands mounted about each park entrant, and candisplay pre-determined information, such as date, type of pass, andprice, as well as information relating to park attractions, such asrides or refreshment stands. This information can include waiting timesfor certain rides, the location of restrooms and food courts, theremaining balance of previously purchased park money and the like.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the label system 10 accordingto the present invention. The illustrated menu 94 can mount a label 16thereon, or the label 16 can be integrally formed as part of the menu.The label 16 displays indicia associated with the restaurant, such asfood type and price. The display portion of the label can display eithera portion of the menu or the entire menu. The label can also beconfigured to display any other information or graphics suitable for therestaurant. The menu 94 can be updated via the on-board labelelectronics, or by an activator module mounted in the restaurant, orheld by the waiter or other employee. For example, if the activator ismounted by a cash register or hostess table, several menus 94 can beupdated at one time by the activator. If the entire restaurant iscovered by one or more fixed activators, the menu 94 can be updated atany item, even when the menu is on the table or in the customer's hand.The ability to seamlessly, remotely or locally update the menu displayis advantageous since the restaurant can in real time inform a customerwhen the kitchen runs out of an item or has to make a substitution.Price changes based on market price, business costs of good orcompetition can be changed as necessary. The display can also be alteredor updated to reflect changes in food offerings, changes in ingredientsof food offerings, options for preparing food offerings, specials of theday, price changes, changes in market prices of menu items, menuidentification number, restaurant name, type of meal (e.g., lunch,dinner, ala carte, etc.), item price, portion size, unit price, marketprice, soup or vegetable of the day, server's name, manager's name,color, shades, promotion logos, promotional symbols, customer name,restaurant club membership designator, personal customized message,encrypting software, security codes, and anti-counterfeit software, andthe like.

The size of the activators for this label system are proportional to thedistance over which they transmit signals. The activator module can beintegrally formed as part of a device sized and dimensioned forcommunicating with the label. The activator can be placed at locationsto provide a selected amount of coverage, such as in or near theceiling. All menus can respond to the activator module by transmittingback their unique identification and all of the data and informationnecessary to allow the activator module to determine which menus need tobe updated, for example, updating only the children's menu.

FIG. 10 illustrates another application of the label system 10 of thepresent invention. FIG. 10 illustrates a keyboard 98 having a pluralityof keys 100. One or more of the keys 100 can have mounted thereon alabel 16. The activator module employed in connection with the keyboardcan be mounted in the keyboard, or nearby in the computer or monitor.The label 16 can be activated to change or alter the symbols displayedin connection with each key. Other embodiments include moldingelectronic displays into special function keys, general purpose buttonsor dials or any other device that uses a visual representation toindicate what happens when a person presses, pushes, pulls, turns,twists or lifts it. The remote ability to change the indicia displayedby the label without direct electrical contact is useful in applicationswhere prolonged or repeated mechanical uses would wear out any directelectrical connection. The keyboard containing the labels can be updatedor changed as the application or situation dictates. The information,data pictures and icons displayed can therefore be context sensitive.The display can be changed based on the environment, the user, theapplication, the user's level and experience, and the like.

FIG. 11 illustrates another application of the label system 10 of thepresent invention. FIG. 11 illustrates a recording media device 104 thathas mounted or secured thereto a label 16. The label can also beintegrally formed or molded as part of the recording media device 104.The label 16 can display information 14 related to the recording mediadevice or the information stored thereon. The term recording “recordingmedia device ” is intended to include any device for recording, storing,capturing or holding information, such as video information, audioinformation, and data and the like. For example, the label can beattached to the plastic housing of a computer diskette, a zip disk, aDVD, a VHS tape, or a music cassette. In the case of diskettes, thelabel can be attached to the jacket inserted into a disk drive. Thelabel can also be fabricated directly into the media, such as in thecenter of a CD or DVD. In the case where the recording media device is adisk that has a label secured thereon, the label can display informationrelated to the contents of the disk, such as the type of software,files, version number, amount of available storage space, and the like.The information displayed by the label 16 can be updated in real time,such as during use, or at any other appropriate time. For example, whena new file is written to a diskette, the size of the file or directoryand the date of the file or directory was last can be shown on thelabel. According to one practice, the label can display and update thisinformation while the diskette is in the disk drive.

The information displayed by the label 16 can be altered each time themedia device 104 is placed into an appropriate structure, such as diskdrives, digital video disk drives, zip drives, laser disk drives, andthe like, and tape drives, such as magnetic tape drives, and recordingtape drives. The activator module can be mounted within the housing ofthe disk drive. Since the activator module does not need to make directcontact with the disk, the activator can instruct the label to alter orupdate information displayed by the label even while the disk isspinning. The activator module can thus be configured for activating thelabel independent of label movement. The activator module can also bedisposed as another computer device integrated with other equipment,which can stand alone on a desk or tabletop or can be hand held. Theactivator module can be used to update information in connection withcash cards, electronic wallets, debit cards, bank cards, etc. Sincemaintaining direct contact and/or proper alignment and or constantdistance or speed or line of sight are not required by the label system10 of the present invention, the system can be installed and easilyused. For example, the user places the recording media device into thesuitable structure, such as a disk drive, so that the drive can read orwrite information to the media device. The user then removes the mediawhich now contains a visual record of what is recorded on the mediadevice. Other embodiments of the media device include media devices usedfor computers or entertainment, such as a laser disk, video cassette,VHS cartridge, Beta max cartridge, zip drive, or any other type ofoptical or electromagnetic media.

The recording media device can also be used for items carried in aperson's pocket, wallet, or purse, or to items a person uses to trackdebit or credit card balance, activity, status, goals, rewards or bonuslevels, and benefits. Examples of such items include permanent accountitems, such as charge cards, electronic purses, credit cards, debitcards, telephone cards; temporary account items, such as mass transitfare cards, telephone cards, vending machine cash cards; memberships,such as memberships in commercial establishments; and identificationitems, such as ID cards, food cards, insurance policy identificationcards, driver licenses, public and private lottery tickets, andwarranties.

In another application, the electronic label 16 of the present inventioncan be employed by the travel, postal or packaging industry, such asairlines, to label a variety of items, including packages, letters andluggage. In the case of the airline industry, the electronic label canbe used to replace conventional tags or stickers that are manuallyapplied to the luggage by the airline. By employing the electronic labelof the present invention, the label can be configured as a disposablelabel that can be discarded after use. Conversely, the label can beconfigured as a re-usable label that is reprogrammed or instructed todisplay indicia associated with another passenger's luggage. Inaddition, the label 16 can be manufactured as an integral piece or partof luggage or shipping container so that it can be cleared after eachtrip and display new indicia.

In this application, the electronic label 16 of the present inventioncan be employed when a passenger is checking in. First the properpassenger information can be retrieved from the airline reservationsystem. Attached to the reservation system at the check in point can bean activator module, such as module 18. The module 18 can be mounted inthe counter walls near the luggage weight scale, in the check in counterproximate the luggage scales, or the module can be an integral part ofthe scale, or it can be constructed as a hand held device that the checkin attendant or curb side baggage handler places near the passenger'sluggage. The activator module 18 can communicate and update severalelectronic labels at once. Alternatively, fixed location activatormodules can be placed at strategic locations along the end to end systemwide baggage handling process. This includes the conveyor belts thatmove the luggage between the check in counter and the plane. Forexample, every time the luggage is switched from one conveyor belt orsystem to another, the activator module can change the label indiciasignifying the status of the luggage. When the luggage is removed fromthe plane and placed on a cart, another activator module 18 can alterthe display to identify the luggage destination. This is especiallyuseful for connecting flights or long layovers or when a plane isremoved from service after the luggage was initially loaded on theairplane. Activator modules can be placed at the cargo bay entrances tothe airplanes luggage compartments. Activator modules can also be partof the large common containers used to load the luggage. Alternatively,the activator modules can be placed at baggage pick up conveyor beltsand at exit doors.

The activator modules can be placed in communication with a hostprocessing system or with a standalone processing system. If a standalone integrated labeling system is employed, the non integratedactivator module can display the current status of the luggage, whichcan then be connected to the host system or primary computer. The systemcan be updated the next time the tag comes within the electromagneticfield of the activator, or when the activator is connected to thesystem. In either case, some or all information on the label, whenupdated, allows the machine or human to adjust the steps taken based onwhat is shown.

Additional security measures and theft prevention, and prevention ofloss of luggage and improper routing of luggage can be accomplished withthis electronic labeling system, especially since there can be remotestandalone locations that automatically change the informationdisplayed. The bar codes are changed as necessary to reflect thechanging status of the relevant information thereby increasing the levelof routing automation that can be applied to a given piece of luggage.

According to another application, the label can be employed inconnection with a built in Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system tostore the position when the electronic label was last activated. Acommon signal command is transmitted by the GPS system. These signalsare received by the label whenever power is available. The processor candetermine the current label position from these signals. The label canthen process the GPS signals locally and change the label display ifnecessary.

According to another application, the labels can receive from theactivator module a common encrypted message signal, instruction orcommand. The labels in the array can be assigned unique encryption keys.Therefore, a common encrypted message broadcast to the electronic labelscan be decoded only by a subset of the labels receiving the broadcastedsignal.

In accordance with another application of the present invention, theelectronic label can be affixed to, or become part of, items used topermanently or temporarily capture, record, hold or store information aspart of an item associated with a physical monetary instrument and/or aphysical representation of a transaction. The term “monetary instrument” includes physical or non-physical instruments intended to signify,identify, correspond, or represent value of some amount. For example,the monetary instrument can be an item of value, such as paper currency,stock and bond certificates, government or corporate bonds andcertificates, vouchers, checks, deposit slip, withdrawal slips, treasurynotes, currency wrappers, and the like, or represent an item of value,such as financial information, transaction receipts, and the like. Theelectronic label can afford multiple levels of security for the physicalmonetary instruments. For example, public and private encrypting keysand other forms of electronic security can be disposed (burned) intoand/or downloaded into the electronic label.

The characteristics of the electronic ink contained in the displayportion of the electronic label can be modified to give specificpredetermined responses to outside physical interrogation. For example,fluorescent ink illuminates when excited with the appropriate radiationfrom an external source. The characteristics of the electronic inkcontained in the display portion of the electronic label can beconfigured or constructed to give specific predetermined responses tosignals received by the electronic label. For example different layersof display with different optical characteristics can be activated torespond with patterns based on a decoded message. The electronic labelcan also be adapted to alternate between displaying a message in thevisible wavelength range and displaying a fluorescent message. Those ofordinary skill will readily recognize that other types of ink can beused including fluorescent, iridescent, bioluminescent, incandescent,ultraviolet, infrared, and wavelength specific radiation absorbingmaterial. A variety of these optical characteristics can be combined toprovide additional mechanisms for authentication and security ofmonetary instruments.

Other applications related to monetary instruments can include employinga label (such as in strip form) in connection with one or more monetaryinstruments, or with a stack or selected number of monetary instruments.The activator module can then be employed to interrogate or communicatewith the labels to determine the number of labels and the type and/ornumber of monetary instruments. From this information, it is relativelyeasy to determine the amount of money at a selected location.Alternatively, a built in activator module can be mounted in amechanical bill counter. This arrangement ensures that all monetaryinstruments passing through the counter are authentic based on a uniqueserial number encrypted in a label mounted within or formed as anintegral part of each bill.

The display assembly can display information associated, related orcorresponding to the monetary instrument. The label also employsstructures, such as the processor, for automatically altering thedisplayed information to reflect all or a subset of the informationtemporarily or permanently stored in a storage element mounted in thelabel. For example, the label can display information associated withthe value of a certain number or type of currencies (e.g., dollars,deutschemarks, francs, pounds, etc.), an account number, anidentification number (e.g., a serial number), an organization orcountry or government that initially issued the monetary instrument, afinancial institution, electronic financial routing information,security codes, and encrypting and anti-counterfeit algorithms.

An activator module can be used in connection with the monetaryinstrument for activating the label associated therewith. The activatormodule can be integrally formed as part of a receiving device sized anddimensioned for receiving or communicating with the monetary instrument.The receiving device can include a money counting machine, counterfeitinspection station, cash register or draw, securities validationmachine, bond validation machine, and an ATM machine. The activatormodule can alter information in the label without necessarily contactingthe label or the monetary instrument. For example, the activator modulecan update the label display even when the monetary instrument is in apocket, non conductive package, cash/bill holding compartment in awallet or purse, non conducting cash registers and bill countingmachines, gambling table cash draw, and non conducting bank tellerdraws.

According to another application, the label of the present invention canbe secured to a card sized item used to hold or store at least one of amonetary balance, an account number, identification indicia, andinstructions, as well as any other information suitable for a particularintended use. The card sized item can be sized and dimensioned forplacement into a suitable holder element, such as a shirt pocket,wallet, purse, bill fold, business card case, credit card bill fold,picture holders, and checkbook, or an item issued in connection with apermanent financial account, a point based account, a temporary monetaryaccount, a membership, a promotion service, a travel related serviceaccount, a charge account, a credit account, a debit account, a bonusaccount and an identification card. Examples of such cards include adebit card, credit card, cash withdrawal card, discount card, masstransit fare card, phone card, membership card, security card, driver'slicense, ID card, employee card, convention badge/card, gambling clubcard, keys for electronic door locks, insurance cards, toll cards andthe like. The label can be integrally formed with the card sized item orformed from the same material that forms the label. The card-sized itemcan also be configured for storing software for automatically updatingmachine readable indicia to create or display optical symbologies (e.g.,2D bar codes) on the display assembly. The label can then be used inconnection with electronic indicia reading equipment, such as a bar codereader, for reading the optical symbologies from the label.

The label can also be used with an activator module that is integrallyformed as part of a device sized and dimensioned for receiving orcommunicating with the item. Examples of such items include a telephoneor telephone booth, turnstile, doorway, cash register, card reader,vending machine, electronic purse reader, electronic wallet reader, ATMmachine, automatic lock/door opener, mass transit fare box, securityaccess stations, doorway, electronic door lock, badge reader, cashregister, card reader, strip reader, vending machine, and parking lotsand garages. The activator can alter information in the labelindependently or without directly c contacting the label. For example,the activator module can alter or update the label when the card isdisposed in an article of clothing, a non conductive package, a wallet,purse, bill fold, business card case, credit card bill folder, walletpicture holders, or checkbook.

The electronic label system of the present invention can employ softwarefor altering or changing the price of an item or a group of items basedon real time supply and demand. The label system can monitor the numberof items purchased by monitoring the number of items passing through thecheckout. From this information, the system can track inventory (howmany items on the shelf), and can instantaneously adjust the pricedisplayed by the label in response the supply and demand. The labelsystem can also change, alter or modify the information displayed by thelabel in connection with the item as the item moves through variousmanufacturing steps, wholesale/retail distribution, sales, purchasing,customer or end user transporting.

According to another application, the label 16 of the present inventioncan be attached to or fashioned as a wristband or ankle band for use bya person or animal. The label 16 can display information relating to theperson or animal, an item worn by the person, the current site orlocation of the person/animal, the service to which the person isentitled, employment or personal related information, conventionattendance related information, routing information for theperson/animal, selective portions of the history of the person/animal,as well as any other suitable information. The label can also be sizedand dimensioned for securing to an item worn externally and readilyvisible, such as decorative pin, badge holder, pendant, necklace, badge,or made as part of an article of clothing or gear worn by a person(e.g., hat, jacket, knapsack, belt) or the like or to an item (e.g.,card, coin, token) carried by the person in a location from which it canbe easily retrieved and presented (e.g., pocket, wallet purse).

The label 16 can be used to convey information to other people or tomachines adapted to act upon all or a portion of the informationdisplayed by the label. The information can be used to identify theperson or animal in possession of the item, to allow access to a securedor unsecured facility or site, or to receive special privileges. Thedisplay portion of the label can readily display information thatdirectly identifies the bearer, such as by name, image, oridentification number, or to anonymously identify the bearer, such as bypossessing the item. Examples of sites or facilities that the label canallow the bearer to gain access include but are not limited to anamusement park, theme park, amusement ride, arcade, racing event, beach,pool, fair, park, zoo, museum, art gallery, festival, sporting event oractivity (e.g., skiing), concert, entertainment event, tournament, spa,hotel, motel, inn, or resort, political event, convention, industrialshow, exhibit, educational/training institution, hospital, nursing home,extended care facility, camp, jail, prison, place of employment,security sensitive area, government building, military installation,movie, theater, cruise ship, auction, livestock feeding or raisingfacility, and parking garage.

The label 16 can also be used to track the position or status of aperson or item, as well as track the number of times an activity isperformed, the number of uses remaining for a given activity, how manytimes a ride is taken, the number of uses remaining for a given ride,remaining balance of prepaid spending money, and the like.

The label can also be formed as integral to or in replacement of theitem. The item and/or label can also be formed as a wristband, ankleband, bearer card, ear clip, identification tag, identification card,admissions card, admission badge or pass, livestock tag, reentry pass,allowance card, pendent, pin, convention, symposium, or employee badge,electronic door key, security badge, admissions ticket, pass, electronicdoor key, fan card, club membership card, team identification card, hatband, hat pin, tag, belt, collar, ring, earring, health insurance card,medical alert band, traveling card, decorative pin, badge holder,pendant, necklace, badge, or formed as part of an article of clothing orgear worn by a person (e.g., hat, jacket, knapsack, belt) or the like.

According to another application, the label system of the presentinvention can be used to provide visible mailing/shipping/routinginformation about the destination of a letter, package or luggage. Thelabel 16 can be an integral part of the luggage, overnight mailingpackage, or shipping container to display information about the luggage,letter or package to which the label is attached. The items can betypically handled by an airline, cruise line, train, tour operator,hotel luggage handler, luggage storage area, bus company, overnightexpress mailing company, parcel post shipper, package delivery service,government postal organization, bulk mailer, catalogue shipping, homeshopping organization, record club customer shipment, internet shoppingcustomer shipment, home television shopping customer shipment,e-commerce customer shipment, department store customer shipment, retailstore customer shipment, or sweepstakes mailing.

The label system of the present invention when used in this manner canallow people or machines to display all or a subset of the informationstored in the label in order to determine the person traveling with theluggage, identify the owner of the luggage, appropriate routes of travelfor the luggage, class of service, identity of person shipping/mailing apackage, type of service desired for shipping/mailing, amount paid toship/mail a package, routes for delivery, transfer points for luggage,connecting flights, airport transfer hubs, transfer points for packagesbeing mailed, sorting locations for letters or packages, and identity ofselected ports. When used in this manner, the label 16 of the labelsystem 10 functions as an address or shipping label, luggage tag,adhesive or stick on shipping label, luggage storing label, passengeridentification tag, and/or airline ticket.

In this application, the activator module can be part of or comprise anairline check in counter, airline ticket issuing printer, e-ticketkiosk, baggage check in kiosk, skycap check in station, boarding gate,departure door, airplane boarding ramp, automated baggage handlingsystem, portable baggage ramp conveyor belts on trucks, cargo/ baggagedoors of an airplane, transfer point on baggage conveyor belt,intersection of baggage conveyor belts , reading stations on baggageconveyor belts, baggage pick up conveyor carousels, door ways, securitycheck points, ship hatches, cabins, ship loading ramps (gangways),cargo/luggage storage holds, luggage compartments, hotel entrances,hotel check-in counters, bell stands, wheeled luggage racks, hotel roomentrances, storage rooms, car trunks, bus luggage compartments, tractortrailer loading docks, tractor trailer loading doors, post office clerkwindows, delivery person, pick-up person, deliver truck, pickup truck,walk-up manned mailing window, walk-up unmanned mailing window/drop offboxes, drive-up mailing window/drop off, self standing overnight mailingkiosks, mail boxes, drop boxes, automated parcel moving system,automated mail sorting systems, automated postage canceling system,automated postage affixing system, cars trucks, mail trays, mailcontainers, parcel bins, parcel/mail sacks, turnstile, doorways, door,gates, turnstiles, elevator, escalator, access/security monitoringsystem, reservation system, seat assignment system, American Associationof Travel agents reservation system, SABRE system, travel ticketingsystem, boarding monitoring system, luggage tracking systems,centralized systems and/or data bases, keyboard, keypad, Personal DataAssistant( Palm Pilot), voice activated device, stand alone computer,stand alone PC, inventorying equipment, commonlshared data base, files,centralized computer, computer network, electronic data interchangenetwork equipment, e commerce system, world wide web, internet,intranet, network, phone system, RF computer network backbone, LocalArea Network (LAN) connecting one or more computers, Wide Area Network(WAN) connecting one or more computers, serial wire connection to one ormore computers, parallel wire connection to one or more computers,optical connection to one or more computers, electromagnetic connectionto one or more computers, and a computer or network operating system.

The activator module 18 of the label system 10 can have any size andshape and can be mounted at any suitable location. For example, theactivator module can be a stand alone antenna or multiple antennas, ormounted in or at a wall, floor, ceiling, light fixtures, tram,turnstile, doorway, door, gate, entry way or passage way, swingingarm/gate, elevator, escalator, moving sidewalks, airline check incounter, ticketing kiosks, check in kiosks, travel related kiosks,skycap check in counter, boarding gate counter, departure gate doorway,departure gate doorway, boarding pass collection equipment, airplaneboarding ramp, entry and exit portals/openings into/out of automatedbaggage handling systems, portable baggage ramp conveyor belts ontrucks, cargo!baggage doors of airplanes, proximate baggage handlingconveyor belts, reading stations on baggage conveyor belts, baggage pickup conveyor carousels, security check point portals, carry on luggagechecking equipment,5 ship hatches, ship cabins, ship loading ramps(gangways), cabin entry door/hatches, cargo/luggage storage holds, shipluggage compartments, hotel entrances, hotel check-in counters, bellstands, wheeled luggage racks, hotel room entrances, storage rooms, cartrunks, bus luggage compartments, tractor trailer loading docksdoorways, tractor trailer doorways, post office clerk windows, recordingor logging devices carried by delivery/pick up person, deliver truckdoorways, delivery trucks, pickup trucks, customer servicing counters,cash registers, weighing stations, scales, local postal issuingstations/offices, windows, passage ways for packages, mailing kiosks,mail boxes, drop boxes, automated parcel moving system, automated mailsorting systems, cars trucks, mail trays, mail containers, parcel bins,parcel/mail sacks, equipment used by postal clerks, equipment used byairline check-in agents, equipment used by shipping and receivingpersonnel, equipment used by pick-up and delivery personnel, doorways,door, gates, turnstiles, elevator, escalator, keyboard, keypad, personaldata assistant, voice activated device, computer network, a stand alonecomputer, mouse pad, computer peripheral, microprocessor, and Java box.

According to still another application, the label 16 of the label system10 can be sized and dimensioned to be secured to a general purpose gameboard, integrally formed as part of the game board, or formed from thesame material or stock that forms the game board. Likewise, the labelcan be secured to game pieces, integrally formed as part of the gamepiece, or formed from the same material or stock that forms the gamepiece. According to one practice, the label can be attached to or formedas part of the covering of an appropriately sized and shaped game boardtop, upon which the game is played. Examples of types of game boards andgame pieces include a checker and chess board, Parcheesi board, Monopolyboard, Scrabble board, Backgammon board, BINGO, Trivia pursuit, Mahjongboard, UNO, Life, and Chutes and Ladders. A single game board can beprovided, and the display can be altered to represent the game board fora selected game. For example, the label can first display a checkersboard and then display a Backgammon board, when desired. The labelsystem 10 can alter the display based upon selected programs to create adynamic game. For example, a new type of dynamic game can be createdusing an array of game pieces, each containing the label system 10and/or game boards that include the label 16 and activator module. Thesystem 10 can alter the appearance and meaning of the game board and/orgame pieces throughout the game.

The label 16 of the system 10 can also be used to automatically andreliably change the appearance (pixels) of the display assembly toreflect all or a subset of the information temporarily or permanentlystored in the storage element of the label. The information stored inthe storage element can include a unique label/tag identificationnumber, name of game, logo of game, lines, squares, boxes, start point,end point, finish, value, name of establishment, odds, numbers, letters,words, imaginary characters, characters, color, shades, encryptingsoftware, security codes, and anti-counterfeit software.

New and different variations of table and gambling games can be createdby incorporating the label system 10 or label 16. Examples of such gamesinclude blackjack, roulette, craps, Caribbean poker, Baccarat, pool,billiards, and bumper balls.

Similarly, the activator module 18 of the label system 10 can compriseor be formed as part of a black jack table, craps table, roulette table,Caribbean poker, Baccarat, pool, billiards, bumper balls, gamblingmonitoring/surveillance system, security system, electronic pokernetwork, electronic cumulative jackpot system, video game, Windows basedgame Application, dedicated game microprocessor, table, chair, lightfixture, electronic table top, television, DVD player, homeentertainment system, cable television, satellite television,centralized systems and/or data bases, keyboard, keypad, personal dataassistant (Palm Pilot), voice activated device, stand alone computer,common/shared data base, files, computer network, electronic datainterchange network equipment, e-commerce system, internet (includingthe world wide web), intranet, phone system, RF computer networkbackbone, Local Area Network (LAN) connecting one or more computers,Wide Area Network (WAN) connecting one or more computers, serial wireconnection to one or more computers, parallel wire connection to one ormore computers, optical connection to one or more computers,electromagnetic connection to one or more computers, computer or networkoperating system. The activator module can be placed or mounted on,under, behind, within, integral to, suspended from, covering, orattached to an object normally found in all types of homes, game rooms,casinos, bingo parlors, pool halls, camps, schools, day care centers,gyms, health clubs, spas, and the like.

According to another application, the label 16 of the label system 10 ofthe present invention can also be used in connection with an informationorganizing item, such as a calendar, day timer, phone book, addressbook, recipe book, planner, appointment scheduler, rolodex, date book,agenda planner, guest book, and log book. The information organizingitem can be attached to a larger piece of furniture or equipment, suchas a refrigerator, desk, counter top, credenza, table, bulletin board,door, desk organizer, or cabinet, and the like. The label can be adaptedto automatically and reliably alter or update the information shown bythe display assembly to reflect all or a subset of the informationtemporarily or permanently stored in the storage element of the label.The stored information can include a unique-label/tag identificationnumber, type of organizer, manufacturer name, day, month year, date,time, appointment, birthday, holiday, meeting, telephone number, streetaddress, street name, city, state, zip code, email address, lines,boxes, squares, phone message, names, call back time, encryptingsoftware, security codes, and anti-counterfeit software, and the like.

The label system 10 can also employ an activator module mounted relativeto the information organizing element so as to actuate the label 16, ifnecessary. For example, the activator module can be mounted beneath thedisplay of the information organizing element to display information. Itis apparent that associated elements of the label system can beconfigured to determine electronically, optically (laser or infraredlight beams), or mechanically (via pressure sensors or stylus), selectedinformation, thus allowing the display to be modified in real time. Thisallows information to be displayed as it is entered, while concomitantlyenabling and creating the appearance and ability to write or draw.

The display assembly can be self contained on the information organizingitem and can be powered by a battery disposed local to the item, suchthat the entire item becomes self contained and can be updated whereverand whenever desired.

The illustrated electronic label 16 or electronic labeling system 10 canbe employed in a number of additional environments, applications oruses. Examples of such environments, uses and applications as set forthabove are not intended to be exhaustive of the total number ofapplications, and is not intended to limit or preclude additionalapplications or uses not set forth herein.

It will thus be seen that the invention efficiently attains the objectsset forth above, among those made apparent from the precedingdescription. Since certain changes may be made in the aboveconstructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover allgeneric and specific features of the invention described herein, and allstatements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language,might be said to fall therebetween.

1. An electronic product identification and price display system forinstallation in a retail environment storing a plurality of consumerproducts on shelves, said electronic product identification and pricedisplay system comprising: (A) a plurality of remote activator modulesinstalled within the space of said retail environment, and incommunication with and receiving instructions from, a retail-basedsystem determining the price of each said consumer product in saidretail environment, as well as promotional information for each saidconsumer product or group of consumer products stored in said retailenvironment; wherein each said remote activator module sends andtransmits electromagnetic signals within the space of said retailenvironment; and (B) a plurality of remotely-updateable electronic-inklabels applied to a plurality of consumer products stored in said retailenvironment, wherein each said remotely-updateable electronic-ink labelapplied to one said consumer product includes: (B1) an addressabledisplay assembly including a layer of electronic ink including abi-stable non-volatile imaging material disposed between an activationlayer and a transparent electrode layer located above said layer ofelectronic ink, for activating said layer of electronic ink atparticular locations to display graphical indicia on the surface of saidaddressable display assembly, wherein said graphical indicia representsthe price of the consumer product to which said electronic-ink label isapplied and/or promotional information for the consumer product, andwherein said layer of electronic ink does not require electrical powerto maintain the display of said graphical indicia; (B2) an antennastructure for sending and/or receiving electromagnetic signals carryinginformation corresponding to at least one of instructions, programs,data and graphical indicia to be displayed by said addressable displayassembly; (B3) an integrated circuit structure having (i) a storageelement for storing said instructions, programs and data, and (ii) aprogrammed processor having access to said storage element, and usingsaid programs to process said instructions and data for (i) determiningthe graphical indicia to be displayed by said addressable displayassembly, (ii) controlling and coordinating operation of saidaddressable display assembly, and (iii) generating output signals forinstructing said addressable display assembly to display the determinedgraphical indicia; wherein consumer product identification informationis stored in said storage element, and uniquely identifies said consumerproduct to which said remotely-updateable electronic-ink label isapplied, among said plurality of consumer products stored on said retailenvironment; (B4) a signal transceiving structure, operably connected tosaid integrated circuit structure and said antenna structure, fortransmitting electromagnetic signals from said antenna structure, to atleast one remote activator module, and for receiving electromagneticsignals from at least one said remote activator module, using saidantenna structure; wherein said received electromagnetic signals carryinformation corresponding to at least one of said programs, saidinstructions, said data and said graphical indicia to be displayed bysaid addressable display assembly; and (B5) an on-board battery powerstructure, operably connected to said integrated circuit structure, forsupplying electrical power to said integrated circuit structure; whereinsaid addressable display assembly is responsive to electromagneticsignals received from at least one said remote activator module by saidantenna structure and said signal transceiving structure; wherein saidintegrated circuit structure is responsive to electromagnetic signalsreceived from at least one of said remote activator modules, by saidantenna structure and said signal transceiving structure; wherein saidaddressable display assembly is responsive to said output signalsgenerated by said programmed processor, to display the determinedgraphical indicia; and wherein said antenna structure, said integratedcircuit structure, said signal transceiving structure, said on-boardbattery power structure are arranged and stacked together behind andwithin the spatial extent of said addressable display assembly so as toform said remotely-updateable electronic-ink label having a stackedconstruction.
 2. The electronic product identification and price displaysystem of claim 1, wherein each said remote activator receiveselectromagnetic signals from said antenna structure of at least one saidremotely-updateable electronic-ink label, carrying a variety ofinformation, including the status of the graphical indicia displayed bysaid remotely-updateable electronic-ink label, as well as any otherinformation suitable to be employed by said remote activator module. 3.The electronic product identification and price display system of claim1, wherein, within each said remotely-updateable electronic-ink label,said signal transceiving structure comprises a signal transmittingstructure as a signal receiving structure.
 4. The electronic productidentification and price display system of claim 1, wherein each saidremotely-updateable electronic-ink label further comprises a protectionlayer disposed over said layer of electronic ink in order to preventsaid addressable display assembly from inadvertent physical traumaand/or environmental damage.
 5. The electronic product identificationand price display system of claim 1, wherein, within each saidremotely-updateable electronic-ink label, said activation layercomprises an activation grid, disposed on a support structure, to form aplurality of addressable pixel locations, wherein each said addressablepixel location is addressable by said programmed processor.
 6. Theelectronic product identification and price display system of claim 5,wherein, within each said remotely-updateable electronic-ink label, saidprogrammed processor controls each pixel location in said activationgrid to form human and/or machine readable graphical indicia within saidlayer of electronic ink.
 7. The electronic product identification andprice display system of claim 1, wherein, within each saidremotely-updateable electronic-ink label, said activation layer haspatterns designed to provide sufficient power at selected pixellocations to form said graphical indicia.
 8. The electronic productidentification and price display system of claim 7, wherein, within eachsaid remotely-updateable electronic-ink label, said patterns includeshapes selected from the group consisting of quadrilateral shapematrices, intersecting arcs, and linear and non-linear patterns.
 9. Theelectronic product identification and price display system of claim 1,wherein, within each said remotely-updateable electronic-ink label, saidelectronic ink comprises an arrangement of microcapsules disposedbetween said transparent electrode layer and said activation layer, andwherein each said microcapsule has disposed therein an electro-phoreticcomposition of a fluid, such as a dielectric or emulsion fluid, and asuspension of colored or charged particles or colloidal material. 10.The electronic product identification and price display system of claim9, wherein, within each said remotely-updateable electronic-ink label,said microcapsules can be filled with electrically-charged white coloredparticles suspended in a black or colored dye.
 11. The electronicproduct identification and price display system of claim 1, wherein,within each said remotely-updateable electronic-ink label, saidelectronic ink is configured as a single color, such as black, white orclear, or as a fluorescent, iridescent, bioluminescent, incandescent,ultraviolet, infrared, or other wavelength specific radiation absorbingor emitting material.
 12. The electronic product identification andprice display system of claim 1, wherein, each said remote activatormodule, comprises a receiver and a transmitter both sending andreceiving electromagnetic signals.
 13. The electronic productidentification and price display system of claim 1, wherein each saidremote activator module is configured to transmit or receive, by way ofelectromagnetic signal transmission, commands, instructions, softwareprograms, and parameters or variables associated with either (i) pixeladdress locations of said addressable display assembly, (ii) thegraphical indicia displayed on the surface of said addressable displayassembly, or (iii) instructions for subsequent use by saidremotely-updateable electronic-ink label.
 14. The electronic productidentification and price display system of claim 1, wherein, within eachsaid remotely-updateable electronic-ink label, said storage elementcomprises a volatile or non-volatile memory element, or combinationsthereof, such as RAM, ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM.
 15. The electronic productidentification and price display system of claim 1, wherein, within eachsaid remotely-updateable electronic-ink label, said programmed processorinitiates or executes one or more preprogrammed sequences stored locallywithin said storage element for determining which graphical indicia isdisplayed by said addressable display element, and generating outputsignals to activate said addressable display device to display saidgraphical indicia based on said executed preprogrammed sequences. 16.The electronic-ink based display system of claim 1, wherein thegraphical indicia displayed by the said addressable display assembly ofeach said remotely-updateable electronic-ink label, is textual and/orgraphic information.
 17. The electronic product identification and pricedisplay system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic signalstransmitted and received between said remotely-updateable electronic-inklabel and each said remote activator module are radio frequency (RF)based electromagnetic signals.
 18. The electronic product identificationand price display system of claim 1, wherein said plurality ofremotely-updateable electronic-ink labels form a group of electronic-inklabels that are remotely updated or altered to display different graphicindicia.
 19. The electronic product identification and price displaysystem of claim 1, wherein the price of each said consumer product ismaintained using real-time supply and demand information available tosaid electronic product identification and price display system.
 20. Anelectronic product identification and price display system forinstallation in a retail environment storing a plurality of consumerproducts on shelves, said electronic product identification and pricedisplay system comprising: (A) one or more remote activator modulesinstalled within the space of said retail environment, and incommunication with and receiving instructions from, a retail-basedsystem determining the price of each said consumer product in saidretail environment, as well as promotional information for each saidconsumer product or group of consumer products stored in said retailenvironment; wherein each said remote activator module sends andtransmits electromagnetic signals within the space of said retailenvironment; and (B) a plurality of remotely-updateable electronic-inklabels applied to a plurality of consumer products stored in said retailenvironment, wherein each said remotely-updateable electronic-ink labelapplied to one said consumer product includes: (B1) an addressabledisplay assembly including a layer of electronic ink including abi-stable non-volatile imaging material disposed between an activationlayer and a transparent electrode layer located above said layer ofelectronic ink, for activating said layer of electronic ink atparticular locations to display graphical indicia on the surface of saidaddressable display assembly, wherein said graphical indicia representsthe price of the consumer product to which said remotely-updateableelectronic-ink label is applied, and/or promotional information for theconsumer product, and wherein said layer of electronic ink does notrequire electrical power to maintain the display of said graphicalindicia; (B2) an antenna structure for sending and/or receivingelectromagnetic signals carrying information corresponding to at leastone of instructions, programs, data and graphical indicia to bedisplayed by said addressable display assembly; (B3) an integratedcircuit structure having (i) a storage element for storing saidinstructions, programs and data, and (ii) a programmed processor havingaccess to said storage element, and using said programs to process saidinstructions and data for (i) determining the graphical indicia to bedisplayed by said addressable display assembly, (ii) controlling andcoordinating operation of said addressable display assembly, and (iii)generating output signals for instructing said addressable displayassembly to display the determined graphical indicia; wherein consumerproduct identification information is stored in said storage element,and uniquely identifies said consumer product to which saidremotely-updateable electronic-ink label is applied, among saidplurality of consumer products stored on said retail environment; (B4) asignal transceiving structure, operably connected to said integratedcircuit structure and said antenna structure, for transmittingelectromagnetic signals from said antenna structure, to at least oneremote activator module, and for receiving electromagnetic signals fromsaid remote activator module, using said antenna structure; wherein saidreceived electromagnetic signals carry information corresponding to atleast one of said programs, said instructions, said data and saidgraphical indicia to be displayed by said addressable display assembly;and (B5) an on-board energy storage structure, operably connected tosaid integrated circuit structure, for supplying electrical power tosaid integrated circuit structure; wherein said addressable displayassembly is responsive to electromagnetic signals received from at leastone said remote activator module by said antenna structure and saidsignal transceiving structure; wherein said integrated circuit structureis responsive to electromagnetic signals received from at least one saidremote activator module by said antenna structure and said signaltransceiving structure; and wherein said addressable display assembly isresponsive to said output signals generated by said programmedprocessor, to display the determined graphical indicia.
 21. Theelectronic product identification and price display system of claim 18,wherein the price of each said consumer product is maintained usingreal-time supply and demand information available to said retail-basedsystem.
 22. The electronic product identification and price displaysystem of claim 20, wherein said on-board energy storage structurecomprises an on-board battery power structure.
 23. An electronic productidentification and price display system for installation in a retailenvironment storing a plurality of consumer products for sale, saidelectronic product identification and price display system comprising:(A) one or more remote activator modules installed within the space ofsaid retail environment, and in communication with and receivinginstructions from, a retail-based system determining one or more of (i)the price of each said consumer product in said retail environment, and(ii) promotional information for each said consumer product or group ofconsumer products stored in said retail environment; wherein each saidremote activator module sends and transmits electromagnetic signalswithin the space of said retail environment; and (B) a plurality ofremotely-updateable electronic-ink labels applied to a plurality ofconsumer products stored in said retail environment, wherein each saidremotely-updateable electronic-ink label applied to one said consumerproduct includes: (B 1) an addressable display assembly including alayer of electronic ink including a bi- stable non-volatile imagingmaterial disposed between an activation layer and a transparentelectrode layer located above said layer of electronic ink, foractivating said layer of electronic ink at particular locations todisplay graphical indicia on the surface of said addressable displayassembly, wherein said graphical indicia represents the price of theconsumer product to which said electronic-ink label is applied and/orpromotional information for the consumer product, and wherein said layerof electronic ink does not require electrical power to maintain thedisplay of said graphical indicia; (B2) an antenna structure for (i)receiving radio-frequency (RF) power signals transmitted by said remoteactivator module, and (ii) sending and/or receiving electromagneticsignals carrying information corresponding to at least one ofinstructions, programs, data and graphical indicia to be displayed bysaid addressable display assembly; (B3) an integrated circuit structurehaving (i) a storage element for storing said instructions, programs anddata, and (ii) a programmed processor having access to said storageelement, and using said programs to process said instructions and datafor (i) determining the graphical indicia to be displayed by saidaddressable display assembly, (ii) controlling and coordinatingoperation of said addressable display assembly, and (iii) generatingoutput signals for instructing said addressable display assembly todisplay the determined graphical indicia; wherein consumer productidentification information is stored in said storage element, andidentifies said consumer product to which said remotely-updateableelectronic-ink label is applied, among said plurality of consumerproducts stored on said retail environment; (B4) a signal transceivingstructure, operably connected to said integrated circuit structure andsaid antenna structure, for transmitting electromagnetic signals fromsaid antenna structure, to at least one said remote activator module,and for receiving electromagnetic signals from said at least one remoteactivator module, using said antenna structure; wherein said receivedelectromagnetic signals carry information corresponding to at least oneof said programs, said instructions, said data and said graphicalindicia to be displayed by said addressable display assembly; and (B5) apower converter, supported on said integrated circuit structure, andoperably connected to said antenna structure, for converting saidreceived RF-power signals into electrical power signals and storingelectrical charge for powering said integrated circuit structure,including said programmed processor, to process instructions and data to(i) determine the graphical indicia to be displayed by said addressabledisplay assembly and (ii) activate said addressable display assembly todisplay said determined graphical indicia; wherein said integratedcircuit structure is responsive to electromagnetic signals received fromat least one said remote activator module, using said antenna structureand said signal transceiving structure; and wherein said addressabledisplay assembly is responsive to said output signals generated by saidprogrammed processor, to display the determined graphical indicia. 24.The electronic product identification and price display system of claim23, wherein said signal transceiving structure comprises a signaltransmitting structure and a signal receiving structure.
 25. Theelectronic product identification and price display system of claim 23,wherein said addressable display assembly further comprises a protectionlayer disposed over said layer of electronic ink in order to preventsaid addressable display assembly from inadvertent physical trauma orenvironmental damage.
 26. The electronic product identification andprice display system of claim 23, wherein said activation layercomprises an electronic activation grid layer, disposed on a supportstructure, to form a plurality of addressable pixel locations, whereineach said addressable pixel location is addressable by said programmedprocessor.
 27. The electronic product identification and price displaysystem of claim 23, wherein each said remote activator module employs aprocessor arranged with a receiver, a transmitter, and an antennadevice.
 28. The electronic product identification and price displaysystem of claim 23, wherein the price of each said consumer product ismaintained using information available to said electronic productidentification and price display system.